Living at the Border

by Asha Siad and Roda Siad

This is not a story about Italy, nor is it a story about migrants from Africa. This is a story about what happens when borders, policies and lives collide. In light of the countless boats filled with migrants and asylum-seekers that set sail for Europe each year, a silent humanitarian crisis is on the rise. In a time of globalization where physical walls are slowly coming down, invisible walls in the form of regulations and discrimination are standing firm.

Two years ago, we were in Rome, Italy for what was supposed to be a vacation but turned into a life changing experience. We met many young refugees who shared their stories of what life was like in Europe. We had to document those stories and last fall we had the opportunity to go back.

In a strange way, the city had changed tremendously all while staying the same. Near Termini train station, we ran into a familiar face, one we never forgot.The jovial 17-year-old Somali refugee, nicknamed “Umbrella Boy” because he sold umbrellas in the tourist concentrated parts of the city, looked nothing like the withered young man who stood before us.

To us, Rome was and still is a transient city. Whether as tourists, job seekers or refugees, people are constantly leaving and returning. In part, this makes migrant and refugee stories hard to capture. In the bustling streets of downtown Rome, it is sometimes difficult to see this group.

From visiting illegally occupied buildings on the outskirts of Rome to public parks where many young African refugees and asylum-seekers spend their days, we met the faces behind terms like “foreigners” “refugees” “migrants” and “asylum-seekers”. We learned that their stories are just as complex as the policies that have sealed their fate.

Two African migrants from Ghana (left) and one asylum-seeker from Somalia (far-right) share experiences of daily life in Rome. (Photo from Living at the Border)

After interviewing over 20 African refugees and migrants, the stories began to sound similar. The majority of the individuals we interviewed felt their lives were on hold. Some waited for documents so that they can start their life; others wait to begin that life with wrinkled documents in their hands.

Through the stress and trauma experienced by these individuals (both in Italy and their home country), mental illness is prevalent among this group. Exposed to the conditions of homelessness and isolation, this vulnerable population lives in the shadows of society.

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But, as we learned, sometimes the darkest of places carry glimpses of hope.

In a bright compound with colorful graffiti clad walls, the sounds of African music blaring over laughter can be heard. As we followed the noise we found ourselves inside a busy kitchen and in the middle of an inspiring project called Barikama Yogurt.

Standing with the five young African migrants behind Barikama.

After speaking with these young West African migrants, we found that they were part of the Rosarno revolt in 2010, where many migrants protested due to inhumane working conditions.

Despite their circumstances, their resilience is just one example of what could happen if given the opportunity. Their story went from one of exploitation to entrepreneurship. They have dreams to expand their organic yogurt business and create jobs for other migrants in Italy.

Going into this project we wanted to examine how people build makeshift communities out of necessity and create a sense of belonging in a place that may not always accept them.

Living at the Border is a multimedia project that documents migrant and refugee stories in Italy. The stories captured in this project depict dreams, promises and regrets. We hope that these individuals and their stories will create more awareness surrounding the current discussion on refugees and global migration.

To learn more about Living at the Border click here:

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Asha and Roda are Somali-Canadian documentary filmmakers and researchers based in Calgary.